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Rome Set to Host WTTC’s Pivotal Global Summit

Rome Set to Host WTTC’s Pivotal Global Summit

James Miller, GetExperience.com
by 
James Miller, GetExperience.com
4 minutes read
News
август 30, 2025

Overview of the WTTC Global Summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the first group of keynote speakers for its 25th Global Summit. Scheduled in the historic city of Rome from September 28 to 30, this landmark event is set to attract influential figures from various sectors including hospitality, aviation, technology, and government. With Italy as the host, the summit aims to explore significant topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, and the travel sector’s critical contribution to the global economy, which currently stands at about 10% of the global GDP.

Key Focus Areas

Organized in collaboration with notable Italian partners, including the Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, this summit will delve into three principal themes:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Discussing how AI can transform the travel experience and improve operational efficiencies.
  • Sustainable Development: Addressing eco-friendly practices within the tourism industry to ensure long-term viability.
  • Economic Resilience: Highlighting the travel and tourism sector’s vital role in generating employment and driving investment.

Diverse Speaker Line-up

Among the confirmed speakers are high-profile leaders such as:

Name Position Company
William E. Heinecke Founder and Chairman Minor Hotel Group
Matthew Upchurch Founder and CEO Virtuoso
Jane Sun CEO Trip.com Group
Gaurav Bhatnagar Co-Founder TBO.com
Pierfrancesco Vago Executive Chairman MSC Cruises

Additional participants include executives from InterContinental Hotels Group, Google, and Marriott International among others. With this diverse array of perspectives, attendees will gain insights into various facets of the travel industry.

Significance of the Summit

This summit serves as a platform for dialogue on the future of travel and tourism, reinforcing the connection between the industry and its direct impact on local communities worldwide. The transition of leadership within WTTC will also be highlighted, with Greg O’Hara passing the torch to Manfredi Lefebvre. Such transitions often signify new directions for organizations, and in this case, it could herald fresh initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving challenges within tourism.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, reflected on the event’s significance, stating that the “Eternal City” provides a perfect backdrop for innovative discussions among global travel leaders. She expressed excitement about the collective vision to drive exceptional sustainable growth in the coming decade.

Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, added that the confirmed speakers underline the prestige of this important gathering, which promises to generate vast opportunities for investment in Italy.

Looking Ahead

With further speakers and agenda details expected to be revealed soon, the summit aims to highlight both the challenges and opportunities for the traveler, while reinforcing travel and tourism’s essential role in creating jobs, driving investment, and fostering community connections around the globe.

For anyone involved in travel and tourism, this summit embodies a pivotal moment for the industry, focusing on not just destinations, but also on the enriching experiences that can be fostered through stronger connections. As participants gather in Rome, it will serve as a launchpad for innovative collaborations aimed at shaping the future of travel.

Conclusion

The upcoming WTTC Global Summit represents not only a gathering of influential voices but also an opportunity to shape the future of the travel and tourism industry. Engaging discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and economic resilience will help strengthen the sector’s impact globally. Explore how attending or following the developments of this summit can enhance your travel experiences, and consider the vast range of tours and activities that can be tailored to your preferences by booking through GetExperience.com. Seamlessly connect to verified providers and make informed decisions—experience the journey firsthand!

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